Twelve finalists chosen from thousands in countrywide art competition

Twelve finalists have been selected in Konica Minolta South Africa's first art competition, “Art by SA’s No. 1*”, which puts the creativity and talent of young South Africans centre stage.

More than 1 000 primary schools, high schools, special-needs schools and tertiary institutions around the country sent in a total of 5 480 entries, having chosen from a number of different themes and mediums in creating their artworks.

These were judged on seven categories: creativity and originality; composition; content; execution; presentation; technical level; and overall evaluation. Each of these categories was scored out of ten, giving a final score out of 70. After nine weeks of gruelling adjudication, 126 entrants went on to the voting round, with scores in their categories averaging 58 and above.

On 27 November 2018, Konica Minolta set-up a pop-up gallery showcasing the works of the 126 finalists. The finalists included 20 special-needs entrants, 39 primary-school entrants, 41 high-school entrants and 26 tertiary-school entrants.

Both their talent and hard work were admired by 105 Konica Minolta staff members, who came down for the day to view the work and, along with the adjudicators, voted for the 12 overall finalists.

The 12 finalists are:

Special Needs Schools:

Janco Malan (Polokwane), La Wiida Leersentrum

Nikita Coetzee (Cape Town), Westcliff School of Skills

Otlotleng Dimi (Pretoria), Sonitus School

Primary Schools:

Andrew Urmson (Johannesburg), St. Peter’s Preparatory School

Huda Hamid (Kimberley), St. Patrick’s CBC Kimberley

Janco Kotzé (Cape Town), Durbanville Primary

High Schools:

Brooklynn Fynn (Durban), Maris Stella High School

Jade Mackenzie (Cape Town), Fish Hoek High School

Jemma McKenzie (Nelspruit), Penryn College

Tertiary Schools:

Mothobi Mefane (Bloemfontein), Motheo TVET College

Nicole Oberholzer (Pretoria), The Open Window Institution

Tshegofatso Nkumeleng (Johannesburg), Artist Proof Studio

The finalists stand to win a share of R60 000 and a R20 000 bursary for their school, college or institution. Together with a parent or guardian, they will spend a special day with Konica Minolta on 2 February 2019, when the overall winner in each category will be announced.

“We have been thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the competition and the level of talent and effort on show," says Alten Hulme, chief sales and marketing officer, Konica Minolta South Africa. "Many thanks to the judges and the Konica Minolta staff who voted on the finalists, and well done to the final 12. We look forward to announcing the winners!"